Ask the Experts - Is this a good time to list my home? Real estate is very cyclical and studies have shown that the current housing market is well below last year’s inventory level. Some studies even show that the current market inventory is well below a six month average. This low inventory creates a seller’s market because there are more buyers in the market than sellers. Therefore, I would say Yes - this is a definitely a perfect time to list your home for sale! When you are ready to list your home make sure your home shows like a model home, with curb appeal and it’s priced correctly. You want buyers to be excited about the home! Pricing your home correctly will generate the most traffic and may produce multiple offers during the first 30 days. After 30 days, most brokers will usually ask for a price reduction to stimulate interest. As the seller you do not want your home to sit for long period without a contract.Now, sellers … [Read more...]
Are you Ready to Make the Leap into Home Ownership?
Are you ready to make the leap into home ownership? Are you still living at home? Renting a home to own? While everyone moves at their own pace now is the time to take advantage of the historically low interest rates. In addition to, local and federal programs available to first time home owners. Here are some a few signs to observe to determine if it is time to own your own home. Let's take a look at some of the reasons you should consider to justify your home buying decision.Are You Sticking Around? If you plan on moving soon for a job transfer. Or, plan on moving in the future for other family reasons - it may be better to rent. However, if you are thinking about living in the same city, town or within the same county for years to come - it is time to put down roots! You will appreciate the stability that comes with home ownership. Home ownership can make you more prepared for a marriage and/or a family if that's the lifestyle you prefer. The stability of … [Read more...]
Victoria Falls Market Watch – Condo sales – 2016
Victoria Falls Market Watch – Condo sales - 2016 have been extremely strong! Market values continue to increase with sales prices driven by lack of inventory, increased buyer's demand, previous sales data, documented upgrades and square footage of each condo unit. MRIS Residential Stats – Analysis report compared: Condo prices when initially listed vs. Price at time of sale. The report totals indicate that the high list price was $279,900 and the sold Price was $276,400 which equates to 99.65 % of list price. Victoria Falls Market Watch – Condo sales - 2016 Contract Pending – 13601 Belle Chasse Blvd. #214 – List Price: $249,900. Close Date: 02/26/2016. This is a Fannie Mae HomePath property. This home features two bedrooms, two full baths, living room, dining room and one car garage space. Buyer pays all transfer taxes under the Homepath program. Go to www. Homepath.com - www.fanniemae.com for more information. Approximate Tax Living Area: 1,875 sq. ft. Days … [Read more...]
Grant monies are back
Grant monies are back! The Federal Home Loan Bank replenished their funds for 2016. They are limited though and will go very fast because the grant is very popular and easy to obtain for buyers. Federal Home Loan Bank offers $5,000 to first time home buyers if they contribute a minimum of $1,250 into buying their home. And those monies can actually be gifted as well. Buyers can actually contribute less monies but their grant will be reduced because it is based on a 4:1 ratio. For example, if a buyer wanted to obtain $2,500 of grant monies then they would only have to contribute $625 or half of the $1,250. And the fees they pay upfront can be used to meet their contribution so the earnest money deposit and appraisal fee can be used towards their minimum contribution. Here are some other reasons to consider this grant over the other grant programs if a buyer's income qualifies under it. The grant is forgivable after 5 years entirely. If a buyer vacates … [Read more...]
Victoria Falls Fourth Quarter Market Watch – Single Family/Villa Styled Homes
Victoria Falls Fourth Quarter Market Watch – Single Family/Villa Styled Homes (SFH) summarizes the SFH and Villa styled homes market activity within the VF Resort Community through the end of 2015. The average days on the market during the year was 46.15 days. This past summer market activity gained traction in the growing demand for SFH, villa styled homes and condos with an increase in sales prices during the year. There were thirteen closed properties in 2015. With a villa on Brooktree Ln. that sold for $260,000 and a SFH Thoreau model that closed at the highest sales price for the year at $490,000 in September.Now, to the latest data regarding Single Family/Villa Styled Homes……Active – 13706 Autumn End Ter. – List Price: $499,000. This Michael Harris (MH) Thoreau (largest) model features four bedrooms, three full baths and two car garage. . This home was one of the original model homes built back in 2005. Tax living area: 2,200 square feet. Days on market: … [Read more...]
New Home Buyers Due Diligence and Vigilance
New Home buyers due diligence and vigilance should be addressed by buyers or their agent prior to a successful closing especially when purchasing a newly constructed home. The following points of interest should be on your agents’ radar:Ask for a sample of the builder’s contract. Most builders have their own distinct forms and contracts contrary from company to company. Ask for clarification on the mortgage processing options and discounts. Determine whether you have the option to select your own mortgage company. And, what are the consequences if you decide to seek financing elsewhere. Ask for clarification of home warranty coverage. Home warranty contract are often issued by several third party companies, e.g. HMS and AHS. Obtain a list of costs. Determine what is standard versus upgrade. And, the cost of each upgrade. Inspection for defects. New homes are not flawless. The builder may offer a final walk through inspection with the staff. Request an inspection from a … [Read more...]
Victoria Falls Market Watch – Villa Townhouses
Victoria Falls Market Watch – Villa Townhouses as of January, 2015 summarizes the market activity for Villa Townhouse styles within the VF Community. Going forward the VF Market Watch – Villa Townhouses will be posted on a quarterly basis. However, if you need additional information or have comments or questions we are always available to hear your request. Visit our blog on the web at www.ahawkesrealtors.com. Update – 7101 Piney Woods Pl. – End Unit villa townhouse listed for $415,000. Closed on December 15, 2014 at $397,000. No buyer’s subsidy! Features included three bedrooms, two full baths and half bath. Approximate tax living area 3,304. Days on market – over 20. Update – 7118 Piney Woods Pl. – Villa townhouse originally listed for $369,500. Pending contract scheduled to close on January 9, 2015. Stay tuned in! Features included four bedrooms, two full baths and half bath. Approximate tax living area - 3,005 sq. ft. … [Read more...]
Victoria Falls Market Watch – Single Family Homes
Victoria Falls Market Watch - single family homes provides a peak at the market activity within Central Park at Victoria Falls community. Several properties that were previously listed for sale during the summer have now closed. Coupled with an insufficient inventory of homes for sale and record low interest rates sellers are witnessing a sizzling sales market to say the least! The current supply of home listed have not kept pace with the increased number of home buyers flooding the market looking for homes to purchase.Victoria Falls Market Watch - single family homes focus on the sale of two single family homes this summer. The sale of a Michael Harris (MH) single family home (without a basement) listed and closed escrow at $399,900. This was a Hemingway Model that closed on June 30, 2014 without any sellers’ contributions to the buyer. The other pending sale of a MH single family home (without basement), which was a former model home was rescheduled for closing on the 31st. of … [Read more...]
First Time Home Buyers with bad credit
First Time Home Buyers with bad credit should know their FICO score early on in the home buying process. This is one of the most important steps when investing in a home. Understanding your FICO score and obtaining a pre-approval letter from a reputable lender will greatly enhance your chances of obtaining loan approval or commitment....Your lender will determine your buying power and maximum loan amount! A mortgage lender will first start with a preliminary credit check. This process could be added to an automated underwriting system to determine any loan conditions prior to determining your buying power. Your estimated loan amount will then be computed based on your credit worthiness.First Time Home Buyers with bad credit - As a first time home buyer should talk to a mortgage lender or search online for your FICO credit score early in the process. A free credit score can be obtained from www.annualcreditreort.com. This site will provide your credit score and a report for a fee. … [Read more...]
The Willows at Victoria Falls
With the upcoming occupancy of four rental buildings in August 2013, The Willows at Victoria Falls (a new luxury rental condominium project located in Victoria Falls at Central Parke in Laurel, MD), the homeowner residents are gearing up for the increase in traffic and shared use of the Club House facilities at the 55+ Resort Living Community. The residents of The Willows at Victoria Falls must follow the same condominium and Home Owner Association (HOA) guidelines, e.g., age restrictions. The new rental units were designed to look and feel like the current condo models with all the amenities, floor plans, space and the like.The Willows at Victoria Falls is situated in the heart of the Victoria Falls community, and is convenient to grocery shopping, restaurants, parks, walking trails, and tennis courts. The apartments feature spacious open floor plans, 9’ ceilings, large master bedroom suites, Kenmore kitchen appliances, double bowl stainless steel sink, 42” designer oak flat … [Read more...]
Down Payment Assistance for First Time Home Buyers
Down payment assistance for first time home buyers are available to purchase a home…… Why rent? Now is the time to plan to purchase that dream home in Laurel, MD, Prince Georges, Anne Arundel or Howard, or Montgomery counties...... If you are a first time home buyer or returning buyer and thinking about purchasing a home this spring take some time to ask a Realtor for a referral to a veteran loan officer who is knowledgeable about the many county grant programs available to assist you with your down payment. There are many grant programs available to assist buyers with their down payment assistance for first time home buyers and/or offer closing cost assistance. The grants are funded by the federal government and ready for immediate use by buyers.For instance, the Federal Home Loan Bank offers $5,000 to buyers for down payment assistance for first time home buyers based on certain income limits. The income limits are not that low and the funds are available for … [Read more...]
Victoria Falls 55+ senior community
Victoria Falls 55+ senior community for active adults. Central Parke at Victoria Falls is an adult senior community located in Laurel, MD. The "For Sale by Owner" of this lovely home is offering this elegant Austen model for sale with immediate occupancy. The home is located on a quiet cul-de-sac and has many fine features. This single family home was built by Michael Harris Homes in 2007 and features an open floor plan with ceramic tile foyer entrance, 1st. floor master bedroom and bath, 3 additional bedrooms on upper level, 3 full baths, formal dining room with custom crown molding and chair railings, eat-in kitchen with cherry cabinets, granite counter-tops, GE Advantium oven, ceramic tile kitchen floor, zoned hi-efficiency gas heat, attached 2 car garage, cathedral ceilings, ceiling fans and walk-in closets. Victoria Falls homeowners pay a low Homeowners Association Fee (HOA) of $222.00 monthly that include lawn mowing front and rear, snow removal up-to-your-door, annual gutter … [Read more...]
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